Used for polio patient for sleeping. Polio disability aid. Callipers were fitted to lock up the knee joints of weakened leg to enable a person to walk without their legs collapsing and to pick the foot up from the ground when foot drop had occurred due to paralysed skin muscles. The polio patient found these devices restrictive and uncomfortable. See KVHS 1796, KVHS 1798Used by Wilma Davies, a Kiewa Valley resident, who suffered from polio from the early 1950s.Metal frame for each leg to fit in a 'V' shape from the waist to the feet. Supported by canvas straps - 3 on the left side, and 2 on the right (1 has been torn off and replaced with leather straps). 2 flat foot shaped steel plates are at the foot end and are adjustable for the feet to be at several angles. The frame has a supporting frame attached giving depth to the calliper.polio, calliper, pandemic

This letter was probably written during the Polio pandemic.Letter to the Ballarat School of Mines from Mrs Pilven to Mr Steane, Principal of the Ballarat Junior Techncial School, notifying of her children's absence from school, and a reply from F.E. Ferguson, Registrar of the Ballarat School of Mines.Brown Hill 25-11-37 Mr Steane, Dear Sir, In your reply to your letter about my son Edward, I wish to inform you that all my children have been isolated for three weeks, from 20th Nov, as my children attended Brown Hill school, account of one case. Would you kindly give me a reply what to do. Our district Dr is Spring Victorian St. I am yours Truly [signed] Mrs Pilven Brown Hill November 29th, 1937. Mrs, Pilvenm, Brown Hill. Dear Madam. I received you letter of the 25th inst/ and note that your children have been isoated. It will be necessary for you to complete the Application for Admission Form and return it to me before Friday th 3rd December. A letter has been sent to the Head Teacher of the Brown Hill School requesting him to forward Elementary School Record Cards for those students who desire to enter the Technical School next year and students will be selected on the information disclosed by those cards. Yours faithfully, [signed] F.E. Ferguson, Registrarpilven, f.e. feguson, illness, polio, edward pilven, brown hill, pandemic

Two newspaper cuttings, one reporting an Honor awarded to Pyramid Butter Factory and the other reporting on Polio band in Victoria.event, agriculture

After WWII demand for wheelchairs increased. The original wheelchairs were driven by the patient's hands pushing the wheels. Later a motor was added. Then the motor and battery were built into the chair under the seat. This was followed by developments in ergonomics (comfort), controls, comfort and performance.See KVHS 1796, KVHS 1797Used by Wilma Davies, a Kiewa Valley resident, who suffered from polio from the early 1950s.2 large wheels - The outer wheel is steel and the inner is rubber with metal spokes attached. The foot plates are of ribbed steel. The ribbed seat is blue made of thick canvas as is the back of the chair. Some plastic has been glued on the back. The arm rests are also covered with old torn plastic. There is a metal stick on the side used to brake the chair by being pulled enabling it to touch the wheel and slow it down or stop it from turning."Sibbing / Melbourne" on the foot platespolio, wheelchair, pandemic

Anglo-Indian Pamela "Pam" McCarthy was struck by polio in 1945 at age 11 In addition to her becoming a singer, she also competed at a variety of sporting meets for the disabled.Grey plastic case containing gold coloured medal.Medal contains text - 1963 Victorian Paraplegic Games - Class B Women's 25 metres - 1st Crawl - Pam McCarthy The lid on the case is inscribed with the word "TROPHY" and a laurel wreath. The bottom of the case is inscribed with "Casecraft. CAT. No 102". The interior of the case includes he text "Stokes (Australia) Limited - medallists and silversmtihs est. 1855:.pamela mccarthy, victorian paraplegic games

Anglo-Indian Pamela "Pam" McCarthy was struck by polio in 1945 at age 11 In addition to her becoming a singer, she also competed at a variety of sporting meets for the disabled.Grey plastic medal case.The lid on the case is inscribed with the word "TROPHY" and a laurel wreath. The bottom of the case is inscribed with "Casecraft. CAT. No 102". The interior of the case includes he text "Stokes (Australia) Limited - medallists and silversmtihs est. 1855:.pamela mccarthy, victorian paraplegic games

Anglo-Indian Pamela "Pam" McCarthy was struck by polio in 1945 at age 11 In addition to her becoming a singer, she also competed at a variety of sporting meets for the disabled.Gold medal from 1963 Victorian Paraplegic Games.Front - 1963 Victorian Paraplegic Games - Class B Women's 25 metres - 1st Crawl - Pam McCarthy Reverse - engraving of swimmers competitingpamela mccarthy, victorian paraplegic games

From left to right: Stanley, Theodore, Alfred, Ronald seated. This photograph must have been taken after 1931, because that was the year Ronald contracted Polio. Stanley later drowned aged 27.Black and white photograph of the four Edwards brothers of Husband Road, Forest Hill. Father Arthur Edwards, mother Martha (nee Course)edwards family, alfred edwards, theodore edwards, stanley edwards, ronald edwards

The painting was created by Mrs M. Bazeley who was the wife of the current Church of England minister and the mother of Dr Percival Bazeley, born in Orbost (1909) who was credited with assisting Dr Jonas Salk who produced the polio vaccine.This item is an example of the artistic talents of many women in the early 20th century. It is of aesthetic significance.Picture of small village by the sea with passersby. In all gold coloured frame.Front RH corner - M Bazeley,1912painting oil-painting bazely

The Porton resuscitator was devised in 1951 at the British Chemical Defence Experimental Establishment in Porton, Sailsbury, as a bellows-valve-mask resuscitator. Extensive testing was undertaken over eight years, with the device being successfully used for air transport of polio patients, for emergency resuscitation in hospital wards, and by hospital orderlies.Black rubber mask attached to a black concentina bag with a round metal filter at the end. Sits in its original wooden box with perspex lid. Instructions of use displayed on each side of the box. [white print on black rubber concertina bellows] PR 504 / P.B.C. 22 / - SEPT 1962resuscitator, porton

These cuff links were a 21st Birthday gift to Ronald Arthur Edwards from his brother Stan in August 1935. Ron had polio and had problems walking. Stan drowned in 1936 in Tonumbarry Weir spillway. Both men were sons of Martha and Arthur Edwards of Husband Road, Forest Hill. Information from the niece of both men.Gold cuff links in the shape of shields in Dunklings box. 'To Ron 21st birthday from Stan' written in pencil on lid of box.Dunklings the Jewellers Diamond House Melb & Perthcostume accessories, jewellery

The Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home was built in 1926 to give short term care to MDNS patients who were too ill to remain in their home, but not ill enough to go to hospital. Melbourne hospitals also sent patients there who required further care after discharge from hospital. After convalescence they returned to their homes. Many children were nursed there, particularly during the Polio epidemic.The Society were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed, and the Society built, then opened, the After-Care Home in 1926, (from 1934 called After-Care Hospital), for these patients, and patients from Hospitals. Many children were nursed there, some long term, during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Trained nurses and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their Committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for, and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic in Melbourne giving advice on birth-control, at first attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. A trained Almoner was employed, but left after twelve months due to the amount of work required. Trained Almoners were in short supply so a Social Service Officer was employed at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. In the 1950s the Hospital and Charities Commission decided to take over the After-Care Hospital, so the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital separated and the Melbourne District Nursing Service was formed, setting up Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road. In 1966 Royal patronage was given and the name changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).Digital image of the rear of the extended Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. It shows a three story brick building with a tiled hip roof and open verandas running along each story with windows seen behind. A zigzag stair case runs down the left hand side of the building and on the right hand side of the image you can see a section set back with one window on each floor. Behind this section, part of another multi story building is seen. A wooden paling fence is seen in the foreground of the photograph. On the far right, part of another brick building with hip roof can be seen melbourne district nursing society, mdns, melbourne district nursing society and after-care home, rdns, royal district nursing service

In 1934 the Trustees of the Marie Krecklow Estate donated 500 pounds to furnish and equip an empty Ward in the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital in the memory of Mrs. Marie Krecklow. This image shows the furnishings in the Ward of the Hospital at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. The boys in this image are receiving nursing care before returning home following their recuperation. Many children were nursed at the hospital, some long term during the Polio epidemic. The Society were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed, and the Society built, then opened, the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home in 1926, (from 1934 called After-Care Hospital), for these patients, and patients from Melbourne Hospitals who required recuperation before returning home. Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Trained nurses and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic in Melbourne giving advice on birth-control, at first attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened.A trained Almoner was employed at the hospital but left after twelve months due to the volume of work. Unable to employ another trained Almoner due to a shortage of them, a Social Service Officer was employed at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. In the 1950s the Hospital and Charities Commission decided to take over the After-Care Hospital, so the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital separated and the Melbourne District Nursing Service was formed, setting up Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road. In 1966, following Royal patronage the name was changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).Digital mage showing the 'Marie Krecklow Ward' in the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital. The image shows five iron hospital beds along the left hand side and five iron hospital beds along the right hand side of the ward. Eight young boys, most with short dark hair and one with short blonde hair, are leaning against pillows sitting up in the beds. Some pillows are propped against an iron support which slopes from the headrest. Three sets of windows can be seen on either side of the ward which is painted grey and a wide floral border to the picture rails, then white paint above the picture rail which continues over the ceiling. A white table with vases of flowers is in the centre rear of the image. A Sister, wearing a white uniform and veil and a dark cape stands at the rear left hand side of the image, and two nurses wearing white aprons over dark uniforms and white caps stand half way down the ward, one on either side. mdns, melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, after-care home, rdns, royal district nursing service, mrs marie krecklow

The Committee of Management held monthly meetings and "the members were conscientious in their attendance". 1938/1939 were busy years for the Orbost Hospital as there was a serious outbreak of poliomyelitis and some cases had to be sent on to Sale. There was also pressure from Dr Nettleton to begin a garbage collection in the town to clean up the town As the polio epidemic abated, diptheria took over and Dr Nettleton urged the shire to fund a further free immunisation campaign. In February, 1939t here were major bush fires in the district and the fire came within 300 yards of the Orbost Hospital. (info. from Orbost Hospital History, Personalities and Stories by Margaret Hollands)The Orbost Hospital was completed by the end of October 1929 after more than twenty years of agitation and preparation. Orbost is an isolated town and the importance of the medical service in the community is immense. This report is a reminder of its early history.A small book - 9th annual report of the Management Committee of Orbost & District Hospital, incorporated 1930. In black print inside rectangular border is title plus "For the Year Ended 30th June, 1939."orbost-hospital report-orbost-hospital-committee-of-management

"Cherry and Sons Pty Ltd", dates this churn to post 1904. In 1858, Edward Cherry began making butter churns in his spare time. Thisi became a full time business with the first factory opening in Gisborne in 1875, using imported NZ kauri pine. Steam was used to bend the base and then it was 12 months drying time before the churn was available for sale. Edward died in 1909 and the business was taken over by his son George until his death in 1917. During the polio epidemic in the 1930's, the company also made respirators. The company closed iin the 1970's.A wooden butter churn with handle and lid. the handle turns a spoked wooden paddle inside to make butter. It is a light brown colour, 30 centimetres high, 32 centimetres long and 21 centimetres wide. The wooden handle on the outside of the box is nine centimetres long three and a half centimetres wide tapering to one and a half centimetres wide, it's attached to a piece of metal that's 13 centimetres long, one and a half centimetres wide and half a centimetre thick. This is attached to a metal rod one centimetre in diameter that goes through the box and is attached to the other side of the box. A wooden frame 24 centimetres by 18 centimetres with two one centimetre wide pieces inside it is attached to the rod.CHERRY & SONS PTY. LTD. GISBORNE VICTORIA T1 Directions for use butter churn, cherry and sons pty ltd

These items were owned and used by Alice Pow (nee McWilliam), known as Maccie. Maccie was a nurse who came to Orbost in 1936. She was highly respected in Orbost for her nursing skills particularly during the 1938 outbreak of polio, Most patients were cared for in their homes and Miss McWilliam was sent out to care for them. Over 14 months she travelled 9560 miles supervising their treatments. She eventually married Mr Hec Pow who had been left to bring up his three daughters after his wife died.. The Pows lived in Orbost where Hec Pow was worked with his father Fred at the saw mill in Cabbage Tree. Maccie Pow was a member of the Orbost Bowling Club, Red Cross and Orbost Golf Club.Three vase shaped pottery shakers. Each has a cork stopper i n the base and sprinkle holes on the top. They are pale green coloured to half way and the rest is pale green with pink flowers. The surface is dimpled. On the base : ANDOVER Made in Japanchina tableware shakers pow-maccie mcwilliam-alice

This item was owned and used by Alice Pow (nee McWilliam), known as Maccie. Maccie was a nurse who came to Orbost in 1936. She was highly respected in Orbost for her nursing skills particularly during the 1938 outbreak of polio, Most patients were cared for in their homes and Miss McWilliam was sent out to care for them. Over 14 months she travelled 9560 miles supervising their treatments. She eventually married Mr Hec Pow who had been left to bring up his three daughters after his wife died.. The Pows lived in Orbost where Hec Pow was worked with his father Fred at the saw mill in Cabbage Tree. Maccie Pow was a member of the Orbost Bowling Club, Red Cross and Orbost Golf Club.An oval shaped metal food cover made of pressed tin painted tan. It has a loop handle on the top. The sides slope outwards and it is seamed on both sides. The bottom edge is rolled. The sides have a perforated design for air flow.food food-protection kitchen-ware pow-maccie mcwilliam-alice

This is the story of the women of the bush, women who performed more than the traditional duties of wife and mother. They worked alongside their men, through good/times and bad and they were rare to complain. Six former country women of the Portland/Heywood district provide us with a snapshot of life as it was from the 1920's through to the 1960's. They speak about their own and their mother's lives, lives which have experienced the greatest material and personal changes in history. The story of the 'Remarkable Mary Stuchbery' details the struggles of a wife and family whose husband/father contracted polio shortly after returning from WWII service. Garry Kerr has produced a series of local history stories, initially for the Heywood [history group] and more recent items privately.The material contained in these interviews provides a first-hand insight into the experiences of women who were involved in carving farms from virgin bush. Their recollections of work, social activities and opportunities for their children are an invaluable primary source.Full colour DVD cover featuring image of old hip-roof weatherboard house with front verandah and skillion roof to rear with stone chimney attached to outside. Corrugated iron roof is rusty. To the left is an outbuilding. Picket and wire fencing is in the foreground, background has large cypress tree to left and gum to right. At the bottom is a series of three black and white images showing (L-R) three women in working clothes and a woman holding a baby; woman chopping wood; woman milking cow with young boy standing beside her. The back cover is yellow with images of the seven women featured showing coloured images of the interviewees beside black and white images of the interviewees when young. DVD features the same images as the front cover.Garry Kerr's LOCAL HISTORY Series 5/On Our Selection/The/Women's/Story/Produced by Garry Kerr (front) WOMEN WERE THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE BUSH/This is the story of the women of the bush [see historical information] ... Running time 74 minutes/Plus an additional 30 minutes of/'The Remarkable Mary Stuchbery'

Alan Martin studied under Max Meldrum, at the National Gallery School and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. He later established his own art school. He has won several prizes and is represented in several provincial collections. Alan Marshall was the author of more than fifteen books, and lived much of his life in Eltham. He became a central figure in the area's arts community of writers, artists, sculptors, film makers, actors and musicians. He contracted polio when he was young is considered one of Australia's most successful and loved authors. His most famous book, 'I Can Jump Puddles' is based on his life story and the obstacles he faced as a child in trying to overcome his disability. The portrait of Alan Marshall was exhibited as a finalist at the 1956 Archibald Prize.

A sculpture of local author Alan Marshall welcomes visitors in the grounds of Eltham library. Alan loved telling stories and talking to children and his own story overcoming the legacy of polio has been an inspiration to generations of Australians. Marcus Skipper, the sculptor, knew Alan well and the sculpture is said to capture his spirit and appearance perfectly; the jumper was even cast from one of Alan’s own. A realistic depiction (almost life size) of Alan Marshall (1902-1984) cast in bronze with green patination. Dressed in a jumper and slacks, Marshall is shown perched on a crutch, holding a book to his heart, gesturing to his audience to come and listen to his words. It was scupluted by local artist Marcus Skipper (b.1950 Melb. died 2011). HISTORICAL INFORMATION Alan Marshall was an author of more than fifteen books, and lived much of his life in Eltham. He became a central figure in the area's arts community of writers, artists, sculptors, film makers, actors and musicians . He is shown stroking a book to his heart, perched on a crutch, which references his disability (contracted polio when he was young), and his status as one of Australia's most successful and loved authors. His most famous book, 'I Can Jump Puddles' is based on his life story and the obstacles he faced as a child in trying to overcome his disability. Marcus Skipper submitted the idea for the work to the first 'Art in Public Places' Awards in 1990. The selectors at the time recommended that the work would be more suitably placed near the Eltham Library. It was commissioned and installed for the new Eltham Library, which was designed by Greg Burgess in 1994. It was partially funded by the then Shire of Eltham's Art Development Fund (Eltham Arts Council) and the rest donated by the artist Marcus Skipper. - Highlights from the Nillumbik Public Art Collection. "The setting and location are ideal and Marcus has really captured the typical Marshall character. It has attracted much favourable comment since its completion. .. Alan Marshall, A.M., O.B.E., Hon.LL.D. (1902-1984) was born at Noorat, Victoria and became one of Australia's most famous authors. His association with the Eltham area began in 1920 when he started his first job as a junior clerk at the Eltham Shire Offices, Kangaroo Ground. In the 1940s he spent some time living at Research. From 1955 he lived in Eltham for nearly 20 years. Disabilities resulting from polio as a young child did not prevent a wide range of experiences. Alan's occupations have been listed as clerk, night watchman, fortune teller, freelance journalist and author. He has been patron of many disadvantaged Children's Societies. Alan's books are numerous and include novels, short stories, children's books, history and travel. Among the best known are his autobiographies "I Can Jump Puddles" and "This is the Grass". Others include "These are My People", "Ourselves Writ Strange", "People of the Dreamtime", "The Gay Provider" and "Wild Red Horses". In 1971 he wrote the Centenary History of the Shire of Eltham, "Pioneers and Painters". -EDHS Newsletter No. 104, September 1995This work has significance for its reference to two well known names associated with Eltham and its history. The sculpture is a realistic statue of the famous Australian author Alan Marshall who wrote "I Can Jump Puddles". He lived and worked in the Shire. The artist Marcus Skipper represents a highly recognised family of artists associated with Monsalvat . The sculpture 'Alan Marshall' has been classified as of regional significance by the National Trust of Australia. - Highlights from the Nillumbik Public Art Collection.Born Digitalart in public places, alan marshall, marcus skipper, sculptures, eltham library

Alan Marshall was an author of more than fifteen books, and lived much of his life in Eltham. He became a central figure in the area's arts community of writers, artists, sculptors, film makers, actors and musicians. He is shown stroking a book to his heart, perched on a crutch, which references his disability (contracted polio when he was young), and his status as one of Australia's most successful and loved authors. His most famous book, 'I Can Jump Puddles' is based on his life story and the obstacles he faced as a child in trying to overcome his disability. Marcus Skipper submitted the idea for the work to the first 'Art in Public Places' Awards in 1990. The selectors at the time recommended that the work would be more suitably placed near the Eltham Library. It was commissioned and installed for the new Eltham Library, which was designed by Greg Burgess in 1994. It was partially funded by the then Shire of Eltham's Art Development Fund (Eltham Arts Council) and the rest donated by the artist Marcus Skipper. This work has significance for its reference to two well known names associated with Eltham and its history. The sculpture is a realistic statue of the famous Australian author Alan Marshall who wrote "I Can Jump Puddles". He lived and worked in the Shire. The artist Marcus Skipper represents a highly recognised family of artists associated with Monsalvat. The sculpture 'Alan marshall' has been classified as of regional significance by the National Trust of Australia. A realistic depiction (almost life size) of Alan Marshall cast in bronze with green patination. Dressed in a jumper and slacks, Marshall is shown perched on a crutch, holding a book to his heart, gesturing to his audience to come and listen to his words. alan marshall, bronze, skipper, i can jump puddles, eltham library, novalist, ekphrasis2017, figure, public art

Modest grave for at Nillumbik Cemetery, Diamond Creek. Alan Marshall, A.M., O.B.E., HON., LL. D. (1902-1984) Alan Marshall was born at Noorat, Victoria and became one of Australia’s most famous authors. His association with the Eltham area began in 1920 when he started his first job as a junior clerk at the Eltham Shire Offices, Kangaroo Ground. In the 1940’s he spent sometime living in Research. From 1955 he lived in Eltham for nearly 20 years. Disabilities resulting from polio as a young child did not prevent a wide range of experiences. Alan’s occupations have been listed as clerk, night watchman, fortune teller, freelance journalist and author. He has been patron of many disadvantaged children’s societies. Alan’s books are numerous and include novel, short stories, children’s books, history and travel. Among the best known are his autobiographies “I can jump puddles” and “This is The Grass”. Others include “These are my people”, “Ourselves Writ Strange” and “Wild Red Horses”. In 1971 he wrote the centenary history of the Shire of Eltham, “Pioneers and Painters”. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p159This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, alan marshall, diamond creek, nillumbik cemetery

Portriats of Alan Marshall, and some with his secretary, Pat Wiltshire, at work in his Park Road, Eltham home and garden, c.1970 at the time he was writing "Pioneers and Painters". Alan Marshall, A.M., O.B.E., HON., LL. D. (1902-1984) was born at Noorat, Victoria and became one of Australia’s most famous authors. His association with the Eltham area began in 1920 when he started his first job as a junior clerk at the Eltham Shire Offices, Kangaroo Ground. In the 1940’s he spent sometime living in Research. From 1955 he lived in Eltham for nearly 20 years. Disabilities resulting from polio as a young child did not prevent a wide range of experiences. Alan’s occupations have been listed as clerk, night watchman, fortune teller, freelance journalist and author. He has been patron of many disadvantaged children’s societies. Alan’s books are numerous and include novel, short stories, children’s books, history and travel. Among the best known are his autobiographies “I can jump puddles” and “This is The Grass”. Others include “These are my people”, “Ourselves Writ Strange” and “Wild Red Horses”. In 1971 he wrote the centenary history of the Shire of Eltham, “Pioneers and Painters”. Black and white photographs of Alan Marshall at his home.pioneers and painters, alan marshall, pat wiltshire, park road

Sculture in bronze of Alan Marshall by Marcus Skipper, 1995 Alan Marshall, AM., O.B.E., Hon.LL,D. (1902-1984) was born at Noorat, Victoria and became one of Australia's most famous authors. His association with the Eltham area began in 1920 when he started his first job as a junior clerk at the Eltham Shire Offices, Kangaroo Ground. In the 1940's he spent some time living at Research. From 1955 he lived in Eltham for nearly 20 years. Disabilities resulting from polio as a young child did not prevent a wide range of experiences. Alan's occupations have been listed as clerk, night watchman, fortune teller, freelance journalist and author. He has been patron of many disadvantaged Children's Societies. Alan's books are numerous and include novels, short stories, children's books, history and travel. Among the best known are his autobiographies "I Can Jump Puddles" and "This is the Grass". Others include "These are My People", "Ourselves Writ Strange", "People of the Dreamtime"; "The Gay Provider" and "Wild Red Horses". In 1971 he wrote the Centenary History of the Shire of Eltham, "Pioneers and Painters". Covered under National Trust of Australia (Victoria), State significance. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p159 Outside the Eltham Library a bronze figure of a short one-legged man with a crutch invites people to the world of literature. The bronze statue, by Marcus Skipper, is of author Alan Marshall, who is famed for his autobiography I Can Jump Puddles, about growing up and overcoming the effects of polio. That plucky little boy later lived in the Nillumbik district for more than 50 years, and on his death in 1984, was buried in the Nillumbik Cemetery at Diamond Creek. Although a hugely successful author, his grave is modest with only a tiny boulder and simple bronze plaque on a grassed plot. From 1955 to 1972 Marshall lived in a tiny fibro-cement bungalow at the rear of a house at Park West Road, Eltham, owned by his older sister, Elsie McConnell. It was there that he wrote most of his autobiographical trilogy and his history of the former Eltham Shire, Pioneers and Painters. His long association with Eltham Shire began in 1918 when his family moved to Diamond Creek. Then in 1920 he began work as a junior clerk at the Eltham Shire Offices on Main Road, Kangaroo Ground near the Yarra Glen Road, while boarding at the hotel next door. Marshall later bought a block of land in Research, which had three bark huts. In one of these he wrote his first book These Are My People. He later sold the land but lived in a caravan there and in 1955 wrote I Can Jump Puddles.1 Proud of its citizen, the Eltham Shire named a park after Marshall at the corner of Main Road and Leanne Drive, Eltham. In 1985 the Shire initiated the Alan Marshall Short Story Award. It was Marshall’s early life in the country that taught him to live courageously in spite of his crippling polio, and he inspired many. This informed his writing – full of courage, championing the battler and love of the bush. Alan Marshall was born in 1902 at Noorat in Western Victoria, as the only son of Billy a drover, horse breaker, hawker and then general store owner. At the age of six, Marshall contracted infantile paralysis and was later hospitalised in Colac for 18 months. With his father’s encouragement, Marshall learnt to swim, wrestle and box, ride a bicycle (downhill), ride a horse and drive a car. Marshall won a scholarship to Stott’s Correspondence College to study accountancy. To help him continue his studies and find employment, his family bought 12 acres (4.8ha), in Ryans Road, Diamond Creek, opposite Windmill Court. There they ran cows, some poultry and an orchard. But life with a disability and during the Depression was hard for Marshall, who for 20 years, endured long periods of unemployment and loneliness and was often exploited at work.2 However, life improved in the 1930s, when he published short stories and articles in newspapers and magazines, including a column of advice to the lovelorn, which he wrote for nearly 20 years. At age 42 Marshall published his first book and in the next 30 years he published more than 20. His most successful book was I Can Jump Puddles, which sold more than three million copies internationally. It was made into a film, released in 1971, by Czechoslovakian director Karel Kachyna. Marshall was one of the first Australians to write about Aborigines who called him Gurrawilla - teller of tales - when he lived with them in Arnhem Land for eight months.3 In 1941 Marshall married Olive Dixon, with whom he had two daughters, Catherine and Jennifer. Marshall and Olive divorced in 1957. In 1972 Marshall was awarded an OBE for his work with the handicapped. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Melbourne University, an Order of Australia for services to literature and the Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, alan marshall, art in public places, eltham, eltham library, marcus skipper, panther place, public art, sculpture

[from EDHS Newsletter No. 104, September 1995:] ALAN MARSHALL SCULPTURE. In our last Newsletter brief mention was made of the bronze sculpture of Alan Marshall outside the Eltham Library. Sculptor Marcus Skipper has now completed the installation of his almost life-size work. The setting and location are ideal and Marcus has really captured the typical Marshall character. It has attracted much favourable comment since its completion. Most members are generally familiar with Alan's life and work but for those not so familiar and for the sake of the record we include these brief biographical details. Alan Marshall, A.M., O.B.E., Hon.LL.D. (1902-1984) was born at Noorat, Victoria and became one of Australia's most famous authors. His association with the Eltham area began in 1920 when he started his first job as a junior clerk at the Eltham Shire Offices, Kangaroo Ground. In the 1940s he spent some time living at Research. From 1955 he lived in Eltham for nearly 20 years. Disabilities resulting from polio as a young child did not prevent a wide range of experiences. Alan's occupations have been listed as clerk, night watchman, fortune teller, freelance journalist and author. He has been patron of many disadvantaged Children's Societies. Alan's books are numerous and include novels, short stories, children's books, history and travel. Among the best known are his autobiographies "I Can Jump Puddles" and "This is the Grass". Others include "These are My People", "Ourselves Writ Strange", "People of the Dreamtime", "The Gay Provider" and "Wild Red Horses". In 1971 he wrote the Centenary History of the Shire of Eltham, "Pioneers and Painters".Colour photographalan marshall, eltham library, marcus skipper, public art, sculptures